Background: Housing-based interventions are a prominent strategy to support social reintegration for adults experiencing homeless. Access to affordable and adequate housing is a primary component to this process. Theoretically, housing, when coupled with wrap around services (i.e. case management, integrated physical and mental health services), is a promising approach. However, evidence to support this approach is limited and inconsistent.

Purpose: To examine the state of the evidence of housing-based interventions for this population. In addition, to evaluate the current range of interventions to plan future research and expansion of services to this vulnerable and diverse population; with recommendations for improving health outcomes.

Method: We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO, SocINDEX as well as the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection databases for studies published from January 1, 2000 through January 30, 2020. All relevant studies published in English focusing on adults experiencing homelessness over the age of 18 were included. Studies that focused on housing as the primary intervention were included, regardless of type of housing intervention. Differences in intervention type and subpopulations (e.g. gender-specific or substance-using populations) were qualitatively synthesized to support future research.

Results: Evidentiary support for housing-based interventions is limited and influenced by public policy.

Public Health Implications: Rigorous inter-disciplinary research is needed to investigate the impact of housing-based interventions on the health of adults experiencing homelessness. Public policy differences must be incorporated into study models to explicate the links between context, macro-housing policy and population health for this vulnerable group.